Obituary: Andrew J. DeCusati

Andrew J. De Cusati, 62, of Fairfield, PA passed away on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024 at Gettysburg Hospital after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the beloved husband of 22 years to Lisa (Mattson) De Cusati. Andy was born in New Haven, CT on May 12th, 1962 and was the son of the late Andrew and Marie (Sarno) De Cusati. He graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 1980 and immediately entered the United States Marine Corps where he served as an infantryman in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Lance Corporal in 1983. In addition, he was in the National Guard reserves from 1986-1988.

Andy worked for multiple years as grounds keeper for the Townsend estate where he raised his young family with his first wife, Lori (Paige) De Cusati who predeceased him in June 2000. His love for military history, beginning with the Civil War, lead to several years of Civil War re-enacting with the 27th Connecticut Volunteers. Ultimately, Andy and his family relocated to Gettysburg, PA. At the time of his death, he was a long-time employee with The Horse Soldier, an antique dealer, where he was surrounded daily by military antiques and memorabilia. He had a huge wealth of knowledge of history and militaria spanning a large range, from the roman Empire through World War II. He was also a published author, penning a book about his cousin Joseph De Cusati who was killed in action during WW II. Anyone who knew Andy, also knew his love for the Lord was above all things. He was a good and faithful servant.

Proud father of Joseph De Cusati of Haymarket, VA and James De Cusati, of Hanover, PA. Loving brother of Camille Chapman (Thomas), East Haven and Angela De Nicola, (Peter), North Haven. Also survived by his mother-in-law, Jean Mattson (Fairfield, PA), four nieces and nephews and four great nieces and nephews and one on the way. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, James Mattson. Andy was an animal lover and was predeceased by dog Libby and cats Jeepers and Max; he will be sadly missed by Luigi the cat.

A memorial service is scheduled at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 80 Apple Avenue, Gettysburg, PA on June 15th at 10:30am, followed by a reception from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. At 1:30pm there will be a brief graveside service with full military honors at Evergreen Cemetery. In addition, a second memorial service will be held in Connecticut at Hope Church, 211 Montowese Avenue, North Haven, CT on June 22nd at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gofundme donation (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lisa-in-andrews-memory) to help defray Lisa’s funeral costs and living expenses; or memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Donor Services, 1-800-822-6344) or Forever Love Rescue cat rescue at 39 Queen St, Gettysburg PA 17325. Online obituary and condolences available at monahanfuneralhome.com.

This obituary was originally published here.